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We don't sledge: Waugh
From correspondents in Bangalore
August 19, 2003
STEVE WAUGH today blamed television replays for placing too much emphasis on sledging and said modern cricket is played in a good spirit.
"There is far too much talk about sledging," said Waugh. "Generally, these days cricket is played in the right spirit and occasionally things do go wrong.
"And when they do go wrong you have 20 or 30 television replays and people come to talk about it," Waugh told the gathering of cricket lovers after delivering a talk on Leading a Winning Team.
Former Australian fast bowler Dennis Lillee recently reacted sharply to Indian batting legend Sunil Gavaskar's comments accusing Australia of harming the game's image through their on-field sledging.
Lillee said: "Sledging has gone on since W.G. Grace and it will go on as long as any sport is played, not just cricket. If they think it's too bad, the authorities are there to stop it."
Gavaskar warned that players may come to blows if personal abuse was not stopped immediately.
"Those who are defending sledging are those who practice it," he said, taking a swipe at the Australians.
Waugh said sledging is often "misinterpreted" and there is much "conjecture" about it.
"My definition of sledging is when someone has been giving personal views in a one-on-one situation or a group of individuals against one person. I believe that is sledging," he said.
He said the Australians do not indulge in sledging and it is not acceptable in world cricket.
"Occasionally there are things said on the cricket field and we have examples of it during the last six to 12 months. I am very aware that we do not want that to happen in my side as we play the game hard and fair.
"There are times when an individual gets carried away, but I do think sledging is being spoken about far too much," he said.
Meanwhile, the Australian captain said he admires Shane Warne, currently serving a 12-month doping ban, and hopes he will be back in the team soon.
"We have two world-class bowlers in Shane Warne and Glenn McGrath who both have 400 Test wickets.
"Of course, Shane is having a bit of rest at the moment. He is pretty busy making headlines outside cricket. He is a tremendous player and he will be back," said Waugh.
The skipper said the Australian cricket team always thinks a step ahead of the opposition and is constantly trying to improve.
"The key is the characters we pick in our team. That is important to any organisation following the right direction and the goals we set," he said.
Waugh said the Test series with India scheduled for October next year is a "big challenge" at which his team will play "aggressively".
"I know the Australian players are looking forward to coming to India. The conditions are tough. It is a big challenge to win in India. India is a great side on the home soil," he said.
"There is always a challenge around the corner and that is what motivates us to play well," he added.
"I know when we come to India, it is a great series."
Australia last played in India in 2001 when the hosts won 2-1. Cricket-IND-AUS-sledge
AFP
Agence France-Presse
As reported: NEWS.COM.AU
From correspondents in Bangalore
August 19, 2003
STEVE WAUGH today blamed television replays for placing too much emphasis on sledging and said modern cricket is played in a good spirit.
"There is far too much talk about sledging," said Waugh. "Generally, these days cricket is played in the right spirit and occasionally things do go wrong.
"And when they do go wrong you have 20 or 30 television replays and people come to talk about it," Waugh told the gathering of cricket lovers after delivering a talk on Leading a Winning Team.
Former Australian fast bowler Dennis Lillee recently reacted sharply to Indian batting legend Sunil Gavaskar's comments accusing Australia of harming the game's image through their on-field sledging.
Lillee said: "Sledging has gone on since W.G. Grace and it will go on as long as any sport is played, not just cricket. If they think it's too bad, the authorities are there to stop it."
Gavaskar warned that players may come to blows if personal abuse was not stopped immediately.
"Those who are defending sledging are those who practice it," he said, taking a swipe at the Australians.
Waugh said sledging is often "misinterpreted" and there is much "conjecture" about it.
"My definition of sledging is when someone has been giving personal views in a one-on-one situation or a group of individuals against one person. I believe that is sledging," he said.
He said the Australians do not indulge in sledging and it is not acceptable in world cricket.
"Occasionally there are things said on the cricket field and we have examples of it during the last six to 12 months. I am very aware that we do not want that to happen in my side as we play the game hard and fair.
"There are times when an individual gets carried away, but I do think sledging is being spoken about far too much," he said.
Meanwhile, the Australian captain said he admires Shane Warne, currently serving a 12-month doping ban, and hopes he will be back in the team soon.
"We have two world-class bowlers in Shane Warne and Glenn McGrath who both have 400 Test wickets.
"Of course, Shane is having a bit of rest at the moment. He is pretty busy making headlines outside cricket. He is a tremendous player and he will be back," said Waugh.
The skipper said the Australian cricket team always thinks a step ahead of the opposition and is constantly trying to improve.
"The key is the characters we pick in our team. That is important to any organisation following the right direction and the goals we set," he said.
Waugh said the Test series with India scheduled for October next year is a "big challenge" at which his team will play "aggressively".
"I know the Australian players are looking forward to coming to India. The conditions are tough. It is a big challenge to win in India. India is a great side on the home soil," he said.
"There is always a challenge around the corner and that is what motivates us to play well," he added.
"I know when we come to India, it is a great series."
Australia last played in India in 2001 when the hosts won 2-1. Cricket-IND-AUS-sledge
AFP
Agence France-Presse
As reported: NEWS.COM.AU
